Random thoughts from St. Louis

ST. LOUIS — Beginning Monday, the lineup will get interesting. Manager Jim Tracy is going to have an extra part, trying to fit five players in four infield slots. It won’t be an issue Sunday because Garrett Atkins is expected to play first base to spell Todd Helton. But that’s just one day, not a solution since Helton hardly ever sits.

So it will come down to this: Depending on who’s hitting best between Ian Stewart and Atkins, that guy will play. Atkins knows this. The team privately hopes he stays hot for a month so they can trade him. St. Louis, the Mets and possibly the Cubs, depending on Aramis Ramirez’s injury recovery, could all use help on the corners. While the Cardinals would be a good fit, it appears they would love to save all their pieces to make a strong run at Matt Holliday. They thought they had him over the winter — the Rockies balked because they wanted another young player in the deal that included Ryan Ludwick. The ideal scenario would be for the Rockies to move Atkins for a decent late-inning reliever/fifth starter, while creating playing time for Stewart.

Tracy said Stewart’s versatility will help him, mentioning how he can play third, second and outfield. But for Stewart’s development, it’s time to stick him somewhere and just let him hit. It’s obvious to me that all the position changes and irregular playing time have affected him.

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is expected to start tomorrow. I know what you are saying, he has to hit to play as well. That’s true, but only to a point. You look at Tracy’s history, and he loves defense up the middle. So Tulo will get more leash because of his defense. Tulo and Clint Barmes up the middle is strong and athletic.

Other tidbits:
–The Cardinals’ lineup is like Little League, changing everyday. You look at that lineup and wonder how this team contends. To me, it shows they play the game the right way. That Albert Pujols completely buys in is huge.
–Downtown St. Louis is coming to life again. It’s not great, but has improved over the past few years. That’s a good thing with the All-Star game coming in July. That said, it’s amazing to me, that the area next to Busch Stadium is barren grass and a parking lot. Plans to get a ballpark village built have stalled repeatedly. Not sure where it stands now.
–Watched most of the Arkansas-Florida State Super Regional Game today. Man, I wish the state of Colorado had big-time college baseball. That was a blast to watch. Florida State tied the game, then eventually lost. Arkansas is heading to the College World Series. I will be going to the CWS for the first time since I was in college. I am taking my 9-year-old baseball team — The Longmont Outlawz — and helping with the 11-year-old club team as well. Our baseball club will have 9, 10 and 11-year-olds playing. Can’t wait for the kids to see a CWS game.